His, Hers and Our Future®: Couples Need to Get on the Same Page, by Jeri Sedlar and Rick Miners:

(View entire post here)

The reality that we are living an additional 20-25 years after the age of 65 is seen as a gift by some, and a curse by others. This is particularly true for couples. Couples have unique challenges. Since you don't rewire® in a vacuum, there are two people's needs, wants and concerns that need to be considered and that's where the fun and the challenge begin! Our research shows that a successful rewirement® takes a commitment from both parties.

Couples who seem happy about living their next act tell us that it has taken a whole lot of communication and planning. They started the dialogue well in advance of the first partner retiring, or even considering a change, and they admit it wasn't always easy. As one husband said "when you finally sit down to talk you may be surprised to hear that your partner has a whole set of ideas different than yours!" Or worse..she has the "Honey do" list.

Discussing how to create a rewired life portfolio is as important as creating a diversified financial portfolio. Couples who avoid the subject, in many cases like the plague, maximize the potential for failure. Pretty simple isn't it.

Simple? Yes. Easy? No.

Rewirement® is about change. We know change isn't always easy. It can be doubly difficult for couples, and requires adjustments, compromises, negotiations and agreements. Sounds like the U.N? Well, maybe not that complicated. For example not every couple agrees on how much time they are going to spend with the grandchildren? How will they divide up the chores around the house? How much money are they willing to spend so one of them can go back to school so they can start a new business? The list goes on from there.

The Power of the Ask

Couples who get on the same page about the future report that it's important to first understand yourself before you try to understand your spouse. Identify what drives or motivates you. The 85 drivers, or motivators listed in Don't Retire, REWIRE! help people jump start how to figure out themselves.

Most couples don't have the same drivers so the exploration can be very fulfilling and exciting, and can lead to renewed excitement in a marriage. So we suggest you start asking; listening; talking; planning; and rewiring® early.

Visit Jeri Sedlar and Rick Miners' webpage here.

View more information on Jeri Sedlar and Rick Miners' Don't Retire, REWIRE!: Second Edition

Jeri Sedlar, Rick Miners, Don't Retire, REWIRE!, retirement, careers, pensions, stocks, work, fulfillment, baby boomer, investment, Penguin Books, books